Time Out sat down with Abu Dhabi Film Festival director Ali Al Jabri to find out what fans can expect from this year’s big screen programme.
What can the audience expect from the seventh edition of the Festival?
We always make a point of trying to bring the best of Arab and international cinema to Abu Dhabi. We’re showcasing a unique blend of titles – a selection of the most celebrated films that have screened in major festivals in the first half of the year and new films that have just had their world premiere at other global festivals.
What are some of the highlights of this year’s Festival programme?
This year we have an incredible mix of films so there are going to be many highlights, ranging from the delightful family film Amazonia, to more auteur films such as Ida by Pavel Pawlikowski, Night Moves by Kelly Reichardt and My Name Is Hmmm…, the first feature by Agnès Troublé.
Arab films have been receiving accolades at major festivals this year, so bringing them to Abu Dhabi is going to be a highlight. Some of the titles screening in Abu Dhabi following international acclaim include Giraffada by Rani Massalha, Bastardo by Nejib Belkhadi, and Rags And Tatters by Ahmed Abdallah.
Last year, the Arabic documentaries were very well received; do you see the same happening this year?
Like last year, the documentaries that have been made in the Middle East are very strong. We have four documentaries, from four different countries, on four different subjects – so we’re very excited to see how well they’re received.
How did you and your team decide which entries would make the programme for the festival this year?
There are so many different criteria that are instrumental for making that decision, including the quality of the filmmaking, good production values, good acting and a good story are very important – but just those factors alone are not enough. Regardless of genre and style, the film has to establish a dialogue with the viewer.
We travel the world all year and try to find the most outstanding films. We want to open doors so people here can see what is going on in other parts of the world – and how these stories are transformed into cinematic language. We also want to present a variety of cultures and visions. That’s a very important factor that contributes to the overall shape of the programme.
Are there any special guests already confirmed to appear during the festival?
A remarkable woman will be honoured with a Black Pearl Career Achievement Award this year: Hiam Abbass.
Hiam Abbass is a renowned Palestinian actress who has recently turned her hand to directing. She has enjoyed considerable international success as an actor and has won numerous acting awards. She appeared in Thomas McCarthy’s highly acclaimed film The Visitor (2007) and Steven Spielberg’s Munich (2005). She also directed two short films before making her feature debut as a director with Inheritance in 2012, which screened at the Venice Film Festival.
For more information about the Festival visit www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae.
